Borrassa, Luis – San Hipólito repone la pierna al boyero Pedro Part 5 Prado Museum

The composition centers around a central event involving several figures arranged within a shallow pictorial space. A man lies prone on what appears to be a simple bed or table covered with white linen. His lower body is exposed, revealing a severed leg held by another figure who kneels beside him. The man’s expression conveys distress and pain, his head tilted back in an apparent grimace. He wears a dark robe over a red undergarment, suggesting a status of some kind.
Flanking this central scene are several other figures, all enveloped within a decorative architectural framework that rises to form an arched canopy. To the left stands a man draped in white cloth with a turban-like head covering; he appears to be observing the event with concern. On the right, another male figure, similarly robed, holds the severed limb and seems actively involved in its restoration.
Above these figures, a group of three celestial beings are positioned. A woman holding an infant is centrally placed, flanked by two other figures who appear to be saints or angels, each encircled by a golden halo. The mother’s gaze is directed downwards towards the scene unfolding below, suggesting divine intervention and compassion. The infant she holds appears serene and untouched by the suffering depicted in the foreground.
The color palette is dominated by reds, whites, and dark browns, contributing to a sense of solemnity and piety. The limited use of shadow creates a stark contrast between light and darkness, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the moment. The gold leaf used for the halos and architectural details adds an element of grandeur and spiritual significance.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of suffering, healing, and divine grace. The act of restoring the severed limb suggests a miraculous intervention, possibly symbolizing faith’s power to overcome physical hardship. The presence of the mother with child introduces a maternal aspect, evoking notions of protection and solace in times of distress. The architectural setting, while decorative, also serves to frame the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple depiction of human suffering and imbuing it with a sense of sacredness. The contrast between the man’s agony and the infants tranquility highlights the dichotomy between earthly pain and spiritual peace.